I had packed my bags and moved to Ireland, hauling my harp through airports and arriving with excitement to begin a year-long intensive study of Irish music. Ready to "sing to the Lord a new song" (Psalm 96:1) upon my harp, I began a new adventurous creative chapter of my life.
Past the watermill of the old farmhouse where we stayed, the green fields and grazing cows greeted me. Long-necked white swans swam peacefully through the gentle currents of the River Shannon as fishermen cast their lines for a catch. Depending on the rains, the water rushed swiftly over the large rocks, mimicking the sounds of my instrument.
A most peaceful setting in which to learn to "praise God with the harp" (Psalm 33:2) however, within the music center, the experience was far from peace.
What held the potential for so much good, in reality, turned out to be the complete opposite of all my hopeful and excited expectations. Fear for my own safety kept me from even being able to enjoy the beauty that surrounded me and in order to protect myself, I felt I had no other option but to quit my internship and return home.
"Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men" (Luke 5:10).
And yet the disappointment of one dream eventually opened up another. Returning to the States, God sent me to become a Montessori teacher to guide the development of young children, another deep dream that had been resting in my heart. Singing yet another "new song to the Lord" through the work of my hands and heart, God gave me a different calling and opportunity to serve.
Where has your calling changed and God called you to something new? What are the blessings that have come from disappointing and unexpected change?
*Readings for Saint Patrick's Memorial
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In answering the call to be flexible to sing a new song, have you faced any challenges this Lent?
